ARROAnki: Development of a Spaced Repetition Learning Tool for Radiation Oncology Residents.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: ARROAnki: Development of a Spaced Repetition Learning Tool for Radiation Oncology Residents.
Authors: Roubil, John G.1 (AUTHOR) john.roubil@vcuhealth.org, Basree, Mustafa M.2 (AUTHOR), Zhang, Qian Sophia3 (AUTHOR), Wuu, Yen-Ruh4 (AUTHOR), Frechette, Kelsey5 (AUTHOR), Lock, Derick6 (AUTHOR), McKone, Elizabeth5 (AUTHOR), Serra, Lucas7 (AUTHOR), Niebart, Shane8 (AUTHOR), Corrigan, Kelsey9 (AUTHOR), Iovoli, Austin10 (AUTHOR)
Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics. Sep2025, Vol. 123 Issue 1, pe5-e5. 1p.
Subjects: Radiobiology, Hematologic malignancies, Mobile apps, Lung cancer, Breast cancer
Abstract: Radiation oncology (RO) residents have access to a vast and heterogenous array of study resources. Mastering the principles of clinical RO is challenging, and a study tool that consolidates foundational knowledge into electronic spaced repetition flashcards (ESRFs) could benefit residents, particularly those early in their training. While some ESRF decks exist online, they are limited in both scope and content, and are often out of date. To address this gap, members of the Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology (ARRO) Education Subcommittee have created and vetted study decks for several disease sites, offering residents an efficient and structured study resource. AnkiWeb, a widely used electronic flashcard software, was selected for developing this learning tool given resident familiarity, and access to both desktop and mobile apps. A commonly used textbook summarizing the basics of clinical radiation oncology was used as a reference to create disease-subsite ESRF decks, summarizing foundational knowledge and relevant literature. Standardized formatting was implemented to ensure consistency across all decks. Each deck was independently reviewed by another resident for accuracy. Completed decks were published on www.AnkiWeb.net under the name "ARROAnki" and made available on ARRO's website for resident use. To date, eleven decks have been created, independently reviewed, and published online. Currently available decks cover the following topics: Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Hematologic Malignancies, Sarcoma, Radiation Biology, and Radiation Physics. Additional disease site decks (e.g. gynecologic malignancies, pediatrics, etc.) are in development. Since their publication, these ESRF decks have been downloaded 827 times over a 17-month period. Previously published RO ESRF decks are out of date. The ARRO Education Subcommittee sought to create a standardized foundational study tool for RO residents beginning clinical training. Next steps include completion of remaining disease-site decks, as well as development an "errata system" for seamless revision and updates. Additionally, user feedback will be solicited to maximize this study tool's value and effectiveness to RO residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics is the property of Pergamon Press - An Imprint of Elsevier Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:Radiation oncology (RO) residents have access to a vast and heterogenous array of study resources. Mastering the principles of clinical RO is challenging, and a study tool that consolidates foundational knowledge into electronic spaced repetition flashcards (ESRFs) could benefit residents, particularly those early in their training. While some ESRF decks exist online, they are limited in both scope and content, and are often out of date. To address this gap, members of the Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology (ARRO) Education Subcommittee have created and vetted study decks for several disease sites, offering residents an efficient and structured study resource. AnkiWeb, a widely used electronic flashcard software, was selected for developing this learning tool given resident familiarity, and access to both desktop and mobile apps. A commonly used textbook summarizing the basics of clinical radiation oncology was used as a reference to create disease-subsite ESRF decks, summarizing foundational knowledge and relevant literature. Standardized formatting was implemented to ensure consistency across all decks. Each deck was independently reviewed by another resident for accuracy. Completed decks were published on www.AnkiWeb.net under the name "ARROAnki" and made available on ARRO's website for resident use. To date, eleven decks have been created, independently reviewed, and published online. Currently available decks cover the following topics: Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Hematologic Malignancies, Sarcoma, Radiation Biology, and Radiation Physics. Additional disease site decks (e.g. gynecologic malignancies, pediatrics, etc.) are in development. Since their publication, these ESRF decks have been downloaded 827 times over a 17-month period. Previously published RO ESRF decks are out of date. The ARRO Education Subcommittee sought to create a standardized foundational study tool for RO residents beginning clinical training. Next steps include completion of remaining disease-site decks, as well as development an "errata system" for seamless revision and updates. Additionally, user feedback will be solicited to maximize this study tool's value and effectiveness to RO residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:03603016
DOI:10.1016/j.ijrobp.2025.05.028